Alaska marathon number 97

I made it to Anchorage after 3 flights. Woke up ready to run Wayy to early as the time change was four hours! Nice shake out run by the base of the mountains . 

The marathon was Sunday AM, which I would have liked to of been Saturday! The expo was small and fid not  have too many running items. Ready to race!!!

Race morning foggy and 50 degrees with a little drizzle. Almost perfect. I did not like the 9 am start time- much too late as I was ready at 6am to race!

The course wound back and forth along the rail trail outside of downtown, many loops and switchbacks along with up and down terrain. We had to dodge many half - marathoners and walkers which slowed the pace. 

Pretty but I did not see any wildlife . 

My stomach was not happy so stops were made, then hamstring jury o do do bad at mile 15 to 17- more slow down... 

 Felt great the last 10k, brought it in at a 645 pace. 

Second Women Overall and got a great award and gift card! 

Very happy to have my Sub 4 state done, #49. My time was not good at all, but I will take a top 3 and newspaper mention any day. 

I took 3 GU and 2sips of Gatorade at each water station. 

Karhu Fluids, LaceLockers over my laces in green , Knee compression socks from Swiftwick , SeeMeInTheDark Headband, Healtheorganics power bar to eat before the race. 

Team USATF-NE race this month Grand Prix 15 k. 

Alaska was beautiful .

Marathon 96 UT

Marathon 96 was in North UT in Morgan Valley, Sub 4State number 48 

Quite a hot start at 90 degrees and very dry. The altitude was at 5,600 and I certainly felt it! Very thirsty all day. I drank 100 oz the day before the race! 

Gorgeous area with a lot of horses on the hilly course. Started out at 710 pace and maintained to the half coming in at  134 . I then passed the leading lady and continued on. The sun was coming up and sponges were dispersed! 

Feeling great till mile 18, then my hamstring righted and tightened up. 

At mile 20 I choose to tone it down so I did not hurt myself further, I ran 800 miles in the final 5 for the win. 

I am now tapering heavily for the Alaska marathon in a week and a half. Hoping and training for a fast PR. Should be a great race.

Gear: Karhu Flow Steady shoes

Swiftwick pulse one turquoise socks

See me in the dark headband 

Lace lockers in my Karhu shoes

GU: 2 during the race miles 10 , 15, and the Orange GU Chomps miles 18 to 23.

Healthy Organics P Nutty Eno Bar and coffee for Breakfast 

Swirlgear favorite tank post race 

Ready for a fast marathon in 10 days !